World Teachers' Day

Today, the world is significantly celebrating World Teachers' Day, which is observed on October 5th. UNESCO, the United Nations agency responsible for education, science, and culture, has designated October 5th as World Teachers' Day. It is a day to highlight the valuable role that teachers play in nurturing, developing intellect, and guiding society, as well as the recognition they deserve.

This article discusses the position of teachers in Somali society, where they stand today, and the gap between teacher satisfaction and the quality of education.

The teacher yesterday had an immeasurable respect and honor within the Somali community, especially among the teachers of Quranic schools and scholars who read religious texts. The strong relationship built on respect and parental guidance between the parent, teacher, and student played a significant role in the memorization of the Holy Quran and adherence to religion.

Likewise, this relationship kept the community away from conflicts and religious differences, which are today among the major challenges facing the Somali people. The teacher was not just someone who delivered lessons; he was a mentor, a guide, and a person who instilled knowledge and ethics in the children.

At the beginning of formal education, although the number of teachers in schools was small, which led to many instructors without university degrees teaching in schools, it is believed that their good intentions, the respect they were given, and the rights afforded to them enhanced their effectiveness. The system led by Mohamed Siad, who did not come from the education sector, provided the teacher with respect and significant value, compared to the subsequent presidents, some of whom came from or studied in the education sector.

The establishment of the Lafoole College of Education was not the end; the Lafoole College, which was part of the Somali National University, was implemented. The establishment of Lafoole was a positive step taken towards the development of teachers and education.

It became the most beloved college in the university, producing high-quality teachers who played a significant role in the advancement of Somali education. Today, many people

Somalis believe that Lafoole was a full university, while ignoring that it was a college under the Somali National University. This shows the extent of its impact and reputation.

Lafoole has thus become a center of academic and educational inheritance, providing many generations of Somalis with educational and professional horizons. What do Somali poets say about teachers?

The value and respect of the teacher are not limited to the daily life of the community; he also prominently appears in Somali literature. If the Egyptian poet Ahmed Shawqi previously said: “Elevate the teacher and respect him; the teacher is close to being a prophet,” the Somali poet Hassan Sheikh Muumin said: The teacher is the Mind of the world that has been scattered by its waves, meaning the hidden knowledge.

He is the light that guides the darkness of ignorance. This verse depicts the light of knowledge and the person who is freed from the darkness of ignorance.

As expressed in Somali poetry, knowledge is a light to be followed and a beacon to be explored. Similarly, the poet Haji Aadan Ahmed Afqallooc, while making Somali students aware of the value of the teacher and knowledge, said: An elder who is wise and has lived long, When you jump over the obstacle, the advice must be from you.

Whatever the interest, that poet knows that it is a matter of truth. Students, recognize that knowledge is a treasure; your efforts will advance the Somali community.

Be aware of bad morals; you will be left behind. The child who is disobedient and rejects manners will not succeed.

If you do not respect the teacher, you will not be successful. They are people who are praised and protected from evil.

Without respect, there is no honor or goodness.

The light in a dark place that you can see is your tongue that speaks and the saying of the speaker is the flower that blooms and is indeed the essence of life that thrives in the depths. It is the source of water that the thirsty man drinks from.

It is the one who brings you kindness and makes you a person. It is the one who has a debt to you that is unforgettable.

It is the one who has knowledge and science that enlightens you like the moon that shines upon you. They have created the unknown paths.

They do not want injustice that is not worthy of them. If you have manners and adhere to their commands, you must obey the names of the good.

The Teacher Today, teachers currently face difficult living conditions, and it is further compounded by the fact that they are often not given the respect and value they deserve. The biggest problem lies with teachers working in private schools, many of whom complain about their labor rights, especially in the months of July and August.

There are complaints regarding salaries, vacations, and other employee rights. On the other hand, government teachers themselves do not receive all the civil service rights of the government; it is noteworthy that in recent years many teachers have been selected through open competition.

Recently, an interview given by the Minister of the Ministry of Education of the Federal Government, Mr. Faarax Sheekh Cabdulqaadir, stated that he would not increase the rights of national teachers, even if the government receives additional funds, attributing this to the large number of teachers and that it is not possible for them to receive rights similar to those of other government employees.

So, can the large number be a reason for the loss of rights? The satisfaction of the Teacher and the Quality of Education The morale of the teacher should be improved, and rights and respect should be given.

If his academic knowledge and teaching skills are nurtured, it can lead to the production of a knowledgeable and capable generation. Previous experiences show that when a teacher is respected, and their working conditions are improved, they can contribute more significantly to nurturing, shaping minds, and building the emerging generation.

Today, the government spends millions of dollars on educational development, including the development of teachers; however, the morale and status of the teacher remain low. Many believe that this is part of the challenges facing Somali education.

Numerous studies indicate that there is a close relationship between teacher satisfaction and the quality of education. Therefore, educational development is not limited to building classrooms, setting curricula, or providing materials; the teacher themselves is the cornerstone of the educational process.

As the saying goes, “Bent corners do not bring livestock.” This proverb reminds us that fruits and progress can be achieved through work, effort, and commitment. Similarly, the quality of education sought cannot be expected while neglecting the person who is the backbone of that task: the teacher!

The teacher in Somali society had an immeasurable respect and honor, especially the teachers of Quranic schools and scholars who read religious books. The strong relationship built on respect and parental guidance between the parent, teacher, and student played a significant role in the memorization of the Holy Quran and adherence to religion.

Moreover, this relationship has kept the community away from religious conflicts and differences in perspectives, which are now among the major challenges facing the Somali people.

The teacher was not just someone who delivered lessons; he was a mentor, a guide, and someone who imparted knowledge and ethics to the children.

Although in the early days the number of teachers in schools was small, which led to many teachers without university degrees teaching in schools, it is believed that good morale, respect, and the rights given to them enhanced their effectiveness.

The system led by Mohamed Siad, who did not come from the education sector, provided teachers with respect and significant value, compared to the subsequent presidents, some of whom came from or studied in the education sector.